A boaty and blankety sort of weekend.

Hello there, how nice to see you! It's only been a couple of days since I was here chatting, but it feels longer than that. So, it's lovely to see you again. I hope you all had a relaxing time, and that the weekend didn't zip by too fast for you?
Do you like the photo of Ellie above?! That's my 'special' bucket she's got dangling on her leg. The bucket I use to collect sea glass and pebbles. The expression on her face! That's the expression she uses to indicate she's relaxed and happy, and feeling very pleased with herself, because she's just snaffled something unpleasant she's found on the beach. It doesn't come across in the photo, but she was wagging her tail, the cheeky little madam.

These toy sailing boats, from the forties and fifties, which I used to collect, have finally found a home on a wall. We put them up last week. They had been sitting in the attic for years, then I retrieved them, thinking that I must do something with them. They then sat for another year in a brown paper carrier bag.

Do you ever find youself thinking, "why oh why did I not do something with these before?" That phrase, "actions speak louder than words", often rings in my head..

On Friday, I mentioned that Hugo and I were going to see Germaine Greer give a talk that evening. You seemed interested in this fact, so I thought I'd give you a summing up of the event.

The weather was raging. Wind, rain, whipped the buildings, very dramatic. We braved the weather, and so did Germaine Greer. She was very impressed that we'd all turned up! I didn't know what to expect from the evening, but I went well equipped to listen, with my crochet in my bag. We had seats in the circle, high up, so Germaine wouldn't have been able to see me crocheting..................(!).................... The talk revolved around the subject of the last forty years of feminism. And she seemed to want to defend herself and her history. I thought that she could have celebrated her achievements more. It was very interesting, and some of what she said was quite personal. I thought she came across as a person who cares deeply about people, men and women.
I know there's a lot of antipathy towards her, but I liked her. I know she divides people and their opinions. I still admire her, however controversial she is.
She did talk a little bit about her time in the Big Brother house, (in response to a question she received). She said she went into the house purely to earn lots of money. Apparently it was filthy dirty from the previous occupants of the house. And Big Brother bullied one of the house mates. She wasn't in there for long, because she left early, to "save her credibility." And she still got paid lots of money despite leaving early, because she brought lots of publicity to the programme.

I felt I was watching and listening to an icon, and that it was a privilege. She's seventy years old, which seems unbelieveable when you see her. She's been on an extraordinary journey, during her life so far, which I think she feels is far from over. And she didn't seem have to lost any energy. Still a ball of fire!

Changing tack slightly, I managed to do some crocheting towards my blanket during Germaine Greer's talk, (I had a few squares to do). Then I spent a good part of the weekend working on my blanket. At the start of the weekend, I had the ambitious goal in my mind of finishing the blanket! Which seems ludicrous to me now. I'm still sewing in what feels like a million ends, which I want to get over with before I start on the border. Starting on the border will be my reward for sewing in the ends.
(Have to be strict with myself sometimes!).
So dear readers, another Monday has slid by............... too fast of course. I shall see you tomorrow. Love Vanessa xxx

Comments

[Jacqueline]

I love the look on Ellie's face, she looks very pleased with herself. I too have lots of ends to sew into my granny square blanket, but I wasn't so disciplined as you. I did my edging first. The blanket is now folded up in a cupboard waiting to be finished! I look forward to seeing your finished blanket.

[Liz]

The photo of Ellie is great!! It's lovely to see other peoples pets, especially as I love taking pics of my cat and dog!!!

[Vickie]

Hi Vanessa

I love all the pictures of your dogs!!!!! So sweet - not to be depressing but we just lost our wonderful fur baby, a black & tan dachshund this past February to cancer - we had him 11 wonderful years and we miss him terribly - seeing pictures of your wonderful dogs helps to feel the joy again - thank you. Still loving your wonderful blog....

Vickie from Seattle

[Bobo Bun]

Can't believe Germaine G is 70, she is amazing. Feisty intellect is definately an anti-ageing plus I think.

The boat nets are intriguing. Did you get caught taking the picture?

Lisa x

[felicity]

Lovely photos, I love Ellies little paw 'holding' your bucket, and the boats look lovely, Im going to say something that if you say out loud does sound very sad but here goes, I love love love your boaty net curtain, its gorgeous!
Fliss xx

[Laura]

Very interesting about Ms. Greer!

I love the picture of your dog - he looks so comfortable there! The boats are a lovely decoration, and the shot through the window is amazing.

I'm with you 100% on sewing in all ends before making the blanket border. Tedious, but as you say, some discipline is good and necessary!

[Menopausalmusing]

That dog is such a cutie! Thanks for filling us in re Germaine Greer. :O) Fascinating stuff and lucky you to have been there. I think that picture of the window and boat nets could probably spark great imagination. Its an absolute beauty. x

[Moe (Seaweed, Roses & Wool) x]

Hi Vanessa,
Great to see you are making use of the bucket! Sounds like you had a really interesting weekend! Love the pic of your little Ellie! She is too cute! I also Love your collection of boats they are really nice!
Moe
xx

[The Curious Cat]

Beautiful boat photos - and sounds like a very interesting night -I don't know a lot about Germaine Greer but no doubt I will read up on her at some point or other in my life!

[Maggie]

I agree Ellie does look rather superior and pleased with herself... look at me, aren't I the privileged one, being carried and cuddled? Interesting to hear about GG as well.. I have read her books of course, not that I consider myself a staunch feminist, but I do uphold the view that women doing a man's job should be paid the same and so on. And isn't sewing in the ends just the worst bit ever, about doing multi-coloured crochet.....yawn!

[Beth]

Ellie is so cute! Sounds like she had a great time on the beach! I love those boats and that boat themed net curtain! I can't wait to see your blanket finished, I have a long way to go before mine is finished!
Big Hugs, Bethxx

[Shelley in SC]

Those vintage boats up on the wall are wonderful. Yes, you want to whack yourself for not getting around to it earlier. But at least you're enjoying it now. Makes me long for the coast.

[Magic Cochin]

How did I stumble into you blog? But I'm so glad I did!

I love how you've put the boats on the wall. We have the very same large blue one and a smaller green one (OH's from when he was young). They are propped p in the bathroom which I'm planning to redecorate - they may just have to end up on the wall - thank you for the inspiration

Celia
(I love knitting too - fingers itching to start a new project!)

[kitschen pink]

I have never understood the antipathy towards Ms Greer. I read The Obstacle Race as a young teenage art student and have loved her ever since! She opened my eyes to all sorts of deceit in the history books of my 'education'.
LOVELY boat pictures. How on earth did you get the boats to float that way - reminds me of 'Wreck of the Zephyr'. Beautiful. t.xx

[cathleen]

Ellie looks like a sweetheart, Vanessa. That is some interesting info about Ms.Greer. Have to look her up so I can read more about her. And...on your post today...your yarn heart looks quite lovely!

[Calico Kate]

I like GG too and would love to have heard that talk. She is sooo honest, and isn't she funny on Grumpy Old Women if you ever catch that. V brave of you taking crochet with you. I once took a book to a concert but got told off by my husband. I am happy to listen to classical music but I have to be doing something else. Especially if I can't see the performers. Designed a Christmas card on the programme of another!
CKx